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U. S. COMMISSION OF FISH AND FISHERIES, 

JOHN J. BRICE, Commissioner. 






REP QJR T 

.'' JUL 151837 



Survey of tlie Oyster Regions of St Vincent Sound, Apalacliicola 
Bay, and St. George Sound, Florida. 



Br 



LIEUT. FRANKLIN SWIFT, U. S. Navy. 



Extracted from Report of Commissioner for 1896. Appendix 4, Pages 187 to 221, Plate 22. 



WASHINGTON: 

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 
1897. 



U. S. COMMISSION OF FISH AND FISHERIES, 

JOHN J. BRICE, Commissioner, 



REPORT 



Oi" A 



Survey of tlie Oyster Regions of St Vincent Sound, Apalacliicola 
Bay, and St. George Sound, Florida. 



or COI««JJ-; 



BY 



/ 




^ 






LIEUT. FRAKKLIK SWIFT, U. S. Kavy. 



Extracted from Report of Commissioner for 1896. Appendix 4, Pages 187 to 221, Plate 22. 



WASHINGTON: 

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 
1897. 



• R) 5 2 



9^7 



4.-REP0RT OF A SURVEY OF THE OYSTER REGIONS OF ST. 
<= VINCENT SOUND, APALACHICOLA BAY, AND ST. GEORGE 
SOUND, FLORIDA. 



By Lieut. Franklin Swift, Z7. S. Navy. 



INTRODUCTION. 

Having completed the work of supplying the aquarinm of the U. S. 
Fish Commission exhibit at Atlanta, Gra., with specimens of the Gulf 
fishes, I received instructions, dated September 30, 1895, from the 
United States Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries, to proceed to 
Ai)alachicola Bay, Florida, with the steamer Fish Hmclc and the party 
under my command, and begin an oyster survey of the adjacent waters, 
the waters to be covered being St. Yincent Sound, Apalachicola Bay, 
and St. George Sound. 

The object of the survey was to determine: 

(1) The positions, outlines, characteristics, and richness or produc- 
tiveness of all oyster beds located in the waters named. 

(2) The positions, outlines, and characteristics of all areas of *-fche 
bottom in the same waters, suitable for the x)lanting of oysters, either 
in their natural condition or after preparatiou. 

Projections were furnished in three sheets covering the areas to be 
surveyed. These projections were made from data obtained from the 
United States Coast and Geodetic Survey Office, and are on 2 o^o o scale, 
giving the location of the triangulation points and showing the shore line 
from the original survey. A description of the triangulation points was 
also furnished. The work to be undertaken called for all that is required 
of a hydrograi^hic i)arty in the Coast Survey, besides all the work that 
is iDCCuliar to an oyster survey. 

In the former surveys in which this vessel has been engaged a large 
part of the work was carried on by civilian assistants sent especially 
by the Fish Commission, but no such assistance was available in this 
case, and the survey had to be made entirely by the officers and crew 
of the vessel. On the Coast Survey vessels there are usually several 
commissioned officers, who, together with the crew, are trained in hydro- 
graphic surveying; at the beginning of our work there was only one 
officer besides myself, Mate J. A. Smith, U, S. N., who had had any 
exx)erience in hydrography. Much credit is due Mr. Smith for the 
ability he displayed in running the lines of soundings and in all other 

work connected with the survey. 

187 



188 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 

Mate L. M. Melclier, U. S. K., joined the vessel November 15 1895 
and although he was inexperienced in the work at first, he soon became' 
by zealous attention, a very fair observer. ' 

Some time was occupied in training members of the crew to become 
observers, recorders, and polemen, but by constant effort we were able 
at an early date, to work two different parties. Quartermasters Charles 
Winters and J. W. Savage showed especial abilitv and zeal 

Up to December 27 I was obliged to do all the'^plottiiig myself and 
m order to keep the work up to date was compelled to neglect other 
duties. The services of Mr. Eugene Yeith were therefore secured, and 
his long experience as draftsman, as well as observer and recorder in 
the Coast Survey, especially fitted him for the work. After having 
plotted the results of the survey on the projections sent by the Fish 
Commission it was found necessary to construct a complete new sheet 
embracing all the work presented in proper form for publication! 
i^very detail of the work, including the plotting of the characteristic 
soundings out of 80,000 soundings, was performed by Mr. Yeith in the 
most excellent manner. 

Tidal observations were taken during the season at the main tide 
gauge by Mr. Hugh Brown, who was employed by the Commission for 
the purpose. He was a faithful and intelligent observer and gave 
complete satisfaction. Auxiliary tide gauges were tended by members 
01 the crew. 

Due time and attention were given to the collection of information 
from the oystermen of Apalachicola, and for this purpose a regular 
iorm of interrogatories was prepared. Without exception these excel- 
lent and intelligent men did all in their power to assist us, and gave 
us much useful information. 

I am especially indebted to Mr. J. G. Euge, of the firm of Euge Bros 
engaged m oyster-canning at Apalachicola, for much valuable informa- 
tion. This gentleman has been in the oyster business for years, and 
has made a special study of the oysters of the vicinity. The facts con 
cerning the history of oyster beds, the oyster business of Apalachicola, 
the spawning habits, etc., that appear in the report after the description 
of the beds, were obtained mostly from Mr. Euge. The facts and fig- 
ures however, were compiled from all sources, and were the average of 
all information obtained, giving due weight to each particular source. 

Thanks are due to Mr. C. H. Lind and Mr. Domingo Segree, oyster- 
dealers of Apalachicola, for their kindness in furnishing information. 
Both of these gentlemen took much trouble and spent much time in our 
beliali without remuneration. 

A good deal of bad weather was experienced during the season, and 
during the days that the rain or rough sea prevented the boats from 
working, the time was utilized in building signals, when possible, or in 
ottice work on board ship. The boats used were the ship's flatboats 
and steam launch, until near the end of the season, when the launch was 



OYSTER REGIONS OF APALACHICOLA BAY, ETC. 189 

lost in the hurricane on the night of February 5. The launch was very 
old and was worn out in service, and had ]3reviously been condemned. 

During February, 1896, a good deal of sickness was experienced by 
the party, there being sometimes as many as six men on the sick list 
at one time. This caused either suspension of part of the work or 
double labor for those who remained in good health, as the efforts of 
every officer and man on board were taxed to their utmost throughout 
the season. 

The work was begun on November 12, 1895, and continued until 
March 28, 1896, without intermission, except from December 23 to 
December 28, 1895, when a run to Pensacola was necessary to replenish 
the coal supply. On March 17 I received instructions from the acting 
Commissioner to close the work in time to arrive in the Delaware for 
the season's shad hatching. By this time all work of importance had 
been finished, and there only remained to survey a few oyster beds in St. 
George Sound, which were of little account, as no marketable oysters 
are obtained from them. 

A report by Mr. H. F. Moore, assistant. United States Fish Commis- 
sion, upon the specimens collected from the oyster beds, is appended 
(pp. 218-220). 

GENERAL SCHEME AND METHODS OF WORK. 

The work, in accordance with the instructions given, was not to be 
a mere reconnoissance or examination of a few important beds, but a 
complete survey of every bed and area where oysters were found, as 
well as a thorough examination of the bottom of the whole region cov- 
ered, in order to determine its suitability for oyster-planting. There- 
fore it was necessary to adopt a scheme of hydrographic surveying, m 
which the lines of soundings should be close enough together to insure 
the detection of every oyster reef, however small, and show the charac- 
ter of the bottom in every locality, and at the same time not to run the 
lines unnecessarily close, so that the work might be pushed on as quickly 
as possible. The local oystermen, although able to give the approx- 
imate location of the more important beds, could not, of course, be 
depended upon to give the limits of all regions where oysters were 
found or to give the locations of the smaller beds. These facts could 
only be determined by actually running the lines, keeping an accurate 
record, and plotting the resulting development on the proj ection. How- 
ever, the elaborate development of the bottom, as generally required in 
the Coast Survey work, was not here necessary, and the ground could be 
covered more quickly, as far as the hydrographic part was concerned. 
But, in addition to the hydrographic work, there were many other con- 
siderations. Of the first importance was the question of density or 
salinity of the water, the determination of which alone would show to 
a great degree the suitability of any locality for cultivating purposes. 

The questions of the physical observations on the beds and the exam- 
inations of the oysters themselves were of the greatest importance. 
It was necessary that sufficiently accurate current observations should 



190 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 

be taken to establish the approximate velocity and the general set of 
ebb and flood tides, as such data is essential in connection with the 
food supply of the oyster and the amount of silt or mud deposited on 
the beds. 

As the spawning habits of the oyster depend to a great extent on 
the temperature of the water, the temperature observations w^ere im- 
portant. Information in regard to the spawning was to be collected 
from local sources and from a study of the specimens preserved. 

The first matter of consideration was the location and establishment 
of the tide gauge. A position was chosen for the main gauge, which 
was centrally located with regard to the whole area to be covered, and 
at the same time in a location where the tides would be normal as far 
as possible, and where the density and temperature observations would 
give good average results for a large area. The gauge was established 
on the north side of Apalachicola Bay, between Green Point and Apa- 
lachicola. Auxiliary gauges were used and compared with the main 
gauge whenever a difference of level or difference in the time of high 
or low water existed. At the end of the season several different bench 
marks were established, that the result of the long series of observations 
might be useful in the future. 

Density, temperature, and current observations, as well as all the 
usual observations required by log, Avere taken at the ship regularly, as 
well as at the main gauge, so that at many localities a long series of 
observations were obtained. 

The triangulation points given were those determined and marked 
at the time of the original survey in 1858. As may be supposed, many 
could not be recovered, and in some cases their sites had been washed 
away by the encroachment of the sea. In Apalachicola Bay and St. 
George Sound so few were recovered that it was necessary to trian- 
gulate a considerable area, by use of the theodolite, in order to establish 
the signals. In St. Yincent Sound, owing to its remote position, nearly 
all the triangulation points were recovered. Signals were built on the 
triangulation points when recovered, and other signals built and located 
along the shore and on the reefs of the sounds. 

The waters of Apalachicola Bay and the adjacent waters are very 
shoal, and a good deal of time was lost on that account, as the Fish 
Hawlij drawing 8 feet, could only navigate in certain channels, and 
then only, in some cases, at high water. St. Yincent Sound could not 
be reached from the eastward, on account of shoal water, and the scene 
of work was too far off to send the boats. Therefore, an attempt was 
made to get the ship into Indian Pass, which proved successful after 
first surveying and buoying the channel. The channel was very nar- 
row, but deeper water was found than was shown on the Coast Survey 
chart. An inspection of the chart accompanying this report will show 
a few other channels surveyed that were apparently not necessary to 
the work, as, for example, the cut across Cat Point Shoal and the cut 
and channel to Apalachicola, but in every such case these surveys were 
made for convenience in navigating the ship. 



OYSTER REGIONS OF APALACHICOLA BAY, ETC. 191 

The work of running lines of soundings was begun at Indian Pass 
and continued toward the eastward. Many of the oyster reefs of St. 
Yincent Sound are very narrow and small, and therefore the lines had 
to be run quite close together. 

The scheme of sounding lines in general consisted of one system of 
lines running in a north -and- south direction, these lines being con- 
nected with the shore by a system of zigzagging. The lines were run 
from 50 to 100 meters apart, according to the nature of the bottom, and 
as the oyster reefs or areas of scattered oysters were discovered they 
were developed by additional lines, and the physical observations and 
close examination of oysters and beds were made, as will be explained 
hereafter. 

The position of the boats on the lines, and at all times, was deter- 
mined by the adoption of. the three-point problem in the same manner 
as commonly employed in hydrography. Therefore the contour of the 
bottom and delineation of reefs are as accurately shown on the sheet 
as they would have been had the survey been a hydrographic one 
purely; and, on account of the long series of tidal observations, lasting 
4J months and including 122 low-waters, an excellent plane of refer- 
ence was established for reducing the soundings to the plane of mean 
low water. In running the lines advantage was taken of the shoalness 
of the water and softness of the bottom to place and locate poles with 
flags for ranges. Tiiroughout the survey the lines were run on these 
ranges thus established, and the accuracy of the work considerably 
increased in consequence. 

On account of the shallowness of the water in localities where oysters 
were found, it was impossible to use the ship for dredging purposes. 
The oystermeu employ tongs entirely, and tongs were found to be more 
serviceable than the boat dredge for our purpose. In estimating the 
number of oysters to the stated given area — as for instance, a square 
yard, the comparison generally used in former surveys — the boat was 
moored, and the oysters on the bed were tonged and counted within 
the limits covered by the bottom of the boat, and the result reduced to 
square yards. Any method employed for this puri)ose, although correct 
enough for the particular locality where used, would, of course, only 
give a rough approximation for the whole oyster region, unless an 
almost infinite number of such observations were made. Still this 
method gives a standard to which observations made in future surveys 
may be compared, and thus show the increase or decrease from time to 
time in the number of oysters on the beds. 

The shoalness of the water allowed the use of poles in taking sound- 
ings and obtaining the character of the bottom. A sounding pole was 
constructed on board shi^) tliat was particularly well adapted for the 
work in hand; it consisted of the pole jiroper, made of juniper — 
the lightest wood obtainable — and a metal disk fitted on the end of 
the pole, connected with it by a copper wire. This wire was simply 
to prevent the loss of the disk in case of the breaking of the pole, 



192 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 

and was inlaid in a groove in tlie side of the pole. The disk was of 
brass, 3 inches in diameter, and slightly concave on its lower surface. 
It was attached by means of a screw cap to a 3-inch length of 1-inch 
piping, into which the pole was fitted and riveted. 

These poles were IJ inches in diameter at the lower end, and slightly 
tapering to the upper end. They were 14 feet long, and, constructed as 
described, were light, well balanced, and strong. By their use the i)res- 
ence of oysters could be immediately detected, not only by the "feel" 
of the pole to the poleman, but also by the ringing sound given out on 
striking shells, easily heard by the officer in charge of the boat. At 
first, observations were taken and examinations made whenever the 
oysters were discovered in running the lines; later, it was found better 
to run the lines first, plot the position of oyster beds, and then to 
revisit the beds, occupying different stations previously marked out on 
the sheet. This latter method secured uniformity, and was more 
thorough, as it prevented the too hurried observations that were likely 
to occur. All oyster reefs and areas of scattered oysters were carefully 
located, the reefs composed solely of old shells, as well as those of live 
oysters, and whether of the raccoon type or not. 

Full notes were kept in the record books of the result of the examina- 
tions — the type of oyster, shape, size, and appearance of the shell, 
whether single or in clusters, growth on shell, appearance of spat or 
young growth, flavor and condition of oyster, number of oysters to 
stated area, proportion of live oysters to dead shells, appearance of 
bed, growth and cleanliness of bed. A careful lookout was kept for 
enemies of the oyster, as starfish, drumfish, drills, conchs, sponges, 
etc., and their i^resence noted. At each observation i)oint the probe 
was used to determine the difi^'erent layers at different depths of the 
bed. An especially constructed x)robe, with a steel drill point and con- 
nected by lengths of piping, was used, and in some instances was driven 
to a depth of 12 feet. At each observation point specimens of oysters 
were j)reserved, and these specimens at the end of the season were 
turned over to a Fish Commission expert at Washington for examina- 
tion, and a report made upon them. The result of the examination 
appears in this report. 

In considering the question of bottom suitable for the planting of 
oysters, those areas were recorded favorable when the bottom was suf- 
ficiently hard to prevent the oyster from sinking, and, at the same time, 
possessing sufficient cohesion to resist the shifting action of the waves, 
all other conditions being also favorable. Very soft, muddy bottoms 
were considered unsuitable, but those of a somewhat firmer consistency 
it was considered possible to make suitable by covering them with 
layers of stones or shells. 

When working in St. Vincent Sound the ship was some 18 miles from 
Apalachicola and it was necessary to send the steam launch to that 
town once a week for provisions and mail. Later, when the work had 
progressed to the eastward, a return to an anchorage about 3 miles 



OYSTER REGIONS OF APALACHICOLA BAY, ETC. 



193 



off Apalacliicola was made on Saturday afternoous for the same pur- 
pose. The vessel could not, without danger of delaying the work by 
waiting for high water, make an 'anchorage nearer the town, on account 
of the shoal water. When the work had reached the eastern part of 
Apalachicola Bay, the ship was moved every day to the scene of work, 
that as little time as possible might be lost in going to and returning 
from work. These short runs were made under one boiler in order to 
save coal, and although the vessel was under way nearly every day 
an average of only six-tenths of a ton of coal was used per day. 

As is usual in hydrographic work, each position of the boat was 
plotted on the boat sheet, in order that the of&cer in charge of the 
boat might know his exact location and direct his course accordingly. 

The work was kept plotted up to date on the smooth sheet, the 
draftsman each day plotting the work of the day previous from the 
record. At the close of the season a large amount of work remained 
to be done by the draftsman to complete the sheet, and prepare a new 
one in such form that it could be photolithographed for publication. 

SUMMARY OF WORK. 



Area surveyed, square miles 88 

Area of oyster beds located, in acres — 

thick growth 1, 786 

Area of oyster beds located, in acres — 

scattering growth 3, 569 

Area of good planting ground located, in 

acres - 0, 859 

Number of soundings taken 75, 125 

Number of angles taken 7, 815 

Number of miles of sounding and deter- 
minations of the bottom 914. 8 



Number of low- waters observed for estab- 
lishing plane of reference 

Total number of observations for density. . 

Total number of observations for temper- 
ature 

Number of times current observations 
were recorded 

Number of specimens preserved 

Time in Avhich survey was made, Novem- 
ber 12, 1895, to March 28, 1896. 



122 

598 



598 



792 
40 



Answers to a series of questions were obtained from all oystermen 
and dealers. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE AREA COVERED BY THE SURVEY. 

The area covered includes an extent of about 21 miles in an east-and- 
west direction and at its widest part about 6J miles in a north-and-south 
direction. It consists of Indian Lagoon, St. Vincent Sound, Apalachi- 
cola Bay, East Bay, and the western end of St. George Sound. 

Apalachicola Bay is the largest and most important of these bodies 
of water, and is bounded by the mainland to the northward and by St. 
Vincent Island, Sand Island, and St. George Island to the westward 
and southward. It is entered from seaward through West Pass. 

The extension of Apalachicola Bay to the eastward is called St. 
George Sound. This sound is inclosed by St. George Island and the 
mainland from Cat Point to the eastward. 

East Bay is a shallow body of water adjoining Apalachicola Bay to 
the northeastward. 

St. Vincent Sound is formed by the island of that name. It narrows 
toward its western end and communicates with the sea at Indian Pass. 

Indian Lagoon is a small, shallow body of water formed by Indiar 
Peninsula, and having only one narrow inlet at Indian Pass. 
F. R. 96 13 



194 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 

ST. VINCENT SOUND. 

General description. — St. Yincent Sound contains about 15 square 
miles and extends in a general east-and-west direction for about 9J 
miles, and varies in a nortli-and- south direction for about 2J miles at 
its eastern end, to f of a mile at its western end. The eastern part of 
the sound is quite shoal. Only about 4 feet at low water can be carried 
from Apalachicola Bay. The western part is connected with the sea by 
Indian Pass, through which 8 feet can be carried at low water under 
favorable conditions. After entering the pass a narrow and compara- 
tively deep channel extends about 2 miles to the eastward. 

Indian Lagoon, a small, shallow body of water, nearly landlocked, is 
connected to the western end of St. Yincent Sound by a narrow, crooked 
channel. A material difference was found in the shore lines of the 
sound when the present survey was compared with the original, the sea 
having encroached on the shores of both the mainland and St. Yincent 
Island. At some localities the shore line of the latter had receded 
nearly one-fourth of a mile. 

It also appeared that the oyster reefs exposed at low water, and now 
composed of only dead shells, have changed considerably since the orig- 
inal survey. A peculiar hydrographic feature of the sound is a deep 
hole or basin which is found about 2 miles from the western end of the 
sound. At this point the waters of the sound are compressed between 
two long, narrow oyster reefs, which make out from either shore. These 
long oyster reefs are dry a greater part of the time, and seem to form a 
natural division between the different types of oysters of the sound, as 
well as the sound itself. For convenience this place was designated 
as the Bulkhead. The sound carries off a part of the fresh water from 
Apalachicola Eiver and also receives a small fresh-water supply from 
the various runs on the mainland and from the creeks of St. Yincent 
Island. 

As might be expected, the densities of the sound vary considerably. 
The eastern part of the sound has the greatest fresh- water supply, and 
has an average density of 1.0106, with an average temperature of 53° F. 
There is probably very little difference in density at the times of ebb 
and flow until the Bulkhead is reached. Just to the westward of the 
Bulkhead the density averages 1.0197, and temperature 53° F. 

At Indian Pass the water is quite salt at all stages of the tide, the 
average density being 1.0234, the average temperature 57° F. 

In Indian Lagoon the density at the eastern part is 1.0217, the temper- 
ature 61° F.; at the western part the density is 1.0219, the temperature 
60° F. These observations, however, were single ones and not the 
average of many, as the locality was not considered of sufficient impor- 
tance to take a series of observations. 

In former years a large part of the oysters brought into Apalachicola 
were taken in St. Yincent Sound. During the season of the survey 
only one vessel — a small schooner with three men — was engaged in 



OYSTER REGIONS OF APALACHICOLA BAY, ETC. 195 

oystering there, while the fleet of oyster men had changed the location 
of their work to the eastward. 

The Bulkhead forms a natural division between the oyster beds of 
good quality and those of the raccoon type. 

Oyster beds of Indian Lagoon. — Indian Lagoon, as far as surveyed, 
contains five-eighths of a square mile. It is very shoal, having only 
about 2 feet of water at low water, and it is difficult for even a small 
boat to navigate it, although 4 feet can be carried in by the channel 
at the entrance. The lagoon, being nearly an inclosed body of water 
and having its entrance so near the pass and the ocean, is naturally ill- 
fitted to support oyster life of the highest type, and it was found that 
most of the oysters were of the raccoon type. 

There are about 10 acres of a very scattered growth of oysters 
along the south shore, and the whole area between the reefs on the 
northern side and at its entrance contains about 20 acres. These reefs 
extend out from the shore for about half a mile, and are composed 
of dead shells, which are exposed, except at very high tide. These 
are, as a rule, about 2 yards in width. The whole northern shore of 
the lagoon is a marshy flat extending back to the woods, fringed at 
intervals by the reefs, as described. The oysters are found on the 
edges of reefs, and the intervening spaces between the reefs are com- 
posed of very soft mud. The bottom of the whole lagoon, with the 
exception of one small bank of dead shells near its center and a narrow 
strip along its southern bank, is composed of very soft mud. There is 
no area suitable for planting oysters, and the lagoon as a source for 
obtaining oysters for market is of little importance. 

Oyster beds of St. Vincent Soundj between India^i Pass and the Bulk- 
head. — St. Vincent Sound, between Indian Pass and the Bulkhead, 
contains 2 square miles, and is mostly shoal, with the exception of a 
narrow channel extending its whole length. This channel is 20 feet 
deep at the pass, and 7 feet at low water can be carried to the Bulk- 
head, where, as before mentioned, there is a deep basin of 32 feet. 

Along the shores of this part of the sound are long, narrow reefs of 
dead shells, dry, except at extreme high water. In some cases these 
reefs extend out a mile into the sound. They are quite narrow, being 
from 2 yards to 10 yards or more in width. The reefs forming the 
Bulkhead were found to have altered in shape considerably since the 
original survey. Besides the long reefs there are various small reefs 
and patches on each side of the deep channel. 

The oysters are of the raccoon type and are found along the edges 
of the reefs, close inshore. On the north shore, near the entrance to 
the lagoon, there is a network of reefs of dead shells, similar to those 
on the north side of the lagoon. All the oysters in this part of the 
sound may be classed as scattering, and they cover about 10 acres, 
l^ear the center, on the southern side of the channel, is a bank of dead 
shells of 70 acres, and to the westward of this bank and adjoining it 
is an area of 84 acres suitable for planting. 



196 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 

The bottom of this location is hard mud and is smooth and clean. 
The whole ijlanting area extends along the southern edge of the chan- 
nel for IJ miles and reaches nearly to the Bulkhead. The velocity of 
the current in the channel is about 2 knots an hour, setting in the direc- 
tion of the channel, and the current on the planting area is somewhat 
less. The density here is 1.0197, which is considerably higher than 
appears on the best oyster-grounds to the eastward, in Apalachicola 
Bay and elsewhere. The average temperature for the time of obser- 
vations was 53^ F.— the highest 57° F., the lowest 48° F. 

Considering that the Bulkhead acts as a barrier to shut off, not only 
the supply of fresh water, but also the source of food, it may be said 
that this planting ground would probably not give as favorable results 
as other grounds to be described later. This portion of the sound is 
therefore not of great importance, either as a source of obtaining oysters 
for market or as planting ground, for, except in the localities mentioned, 
the bottom is very soft mud and the water is not entirely suitable for 
oyster life. 

Oyster beds of St. Vincent Sound from the Bulkhead to its eastern 
limit. — St. Vincent Sound between the Bulkhead and its eastern limit 
covers an area of about 13 square miles, and is about 7 miles long, 
with an average width of nearly 2 miles. It is generally shoal, and 
only 4J feet can be carried through it into Apalachicola Bay. 

The fresh-water supply is furnished by the various runs and creeks 
on both shores and by Apalachicola River to the eastward ; the amount 
of salt water is regulated by the barrier formed by the Bulkhead. The 
current runs with a gentle flow throughout its length and gives an abun- 
dant food supply. The temperatures are not abnormal. About half 
of the bottom is either hard or soft sand, or hard mud. All the condi- 
tions are therefore quite favorable to oyster life, and it was here that in 
former years a good i:)art of the main supply of oysters was found by 
the oystermen. Doubtless the only reason that they do not exist now in 
great numbers is that the supply proved too small for the demand, and 
thus the overworking of the beds gradually brought about their pres- 
ent condition. However, it seems from the quantity of young growth 
found, and from the general appearance of the beds, that if they were 
left undisturbed for a few years they would recover their former 
productiveness. This is likely to occur, as practically the beds are not 
worked at x^resent. 

Of the thick growth of oysters found in this area, there is a bed con- 
taining 50 acres on the north side, just east of the Bulkhead. Near 
the center of this growth there is a long, narrow reef of dead shells, 
exposed at nearly all tides and extending in a NW. and SE. direction. 
The oysters bordering this reef are found more closely together than 
the outlying onesj they are all single oysters and are of good quality. 
There is another area of dense growth, of about 13 acres, near the 
mouth of the large bayou on the north shore of St. Vincent Island. 
The oysters here are of good quality and are large, single oysters. 



OYSTER REGIONS OF APALACHICOLA BAY, ETC. 197 

The area for 3 miles to the eastward of the Bulkhead, included 
between the 3-foot curves of either shore, are covered with patches of 
dense growth of oysters. There are, in all, 19 of tliese patches, making 
a total of 38 acres. Of these there are several containing only about 
1 acre, and the largest contains 5 acres. 

All these small clusters of dense growth of oysters have the same 
characteristics. The oysters are found surrounding reefs of dead 
shells, which are usually awash at high water. The reefs are narrow 
and crescent-shaped, with their concave surface to the eastward, and 
invariably run in a uorth-and-south direction. They shoal off gradually 
on the eastern side and rise abruptly from the deep water on the western 
side. The oysters extend out, as a rule, about 30 yards to the east- 
ward and about 20 yards to the westward of the reef. They are found 
singly and are in excellent condition and of good quality. In many 
instances spat and young growth were noticed. The reefs all arise 
from a soft, muddy bottom to a height of 8 or 9 feet, in some cases, 
while over a few of the eastern outlying patches there is a depth of 
about 2 feet at low water. 

The scattered growth of oysters in this part of St. Yincent Sound 
covers considerable area, there being 1,590 acres. The largest extent 
of the scattered growth occurs on each side of the sound, inside the 
3-foot curve and nearly opposite the area of patches of dense growth 
before mentioned. Scattered oysters are also found all along the south 
shore from the Bulkhead to St. Yincent Point, although, except in the 
locality just mentioned, they form only a narrow band. They are also 
found some little distance up the bayous of St. Yincent Island. On 
the north shore they extend as far to the eastward as the beds in the 
middle of the sound. The oysters are found on bottoms of hard mud 
and hard and soft sand. They occur in bunches of from 5 to 8 in each 
bunch, and are good-sized and well-conditioned, except close inshore, 
where they are smaller and poorer. 

On the south side of the sound, just to the east of the Bulkhead, is 
an area of 162 acres, where there was formerly a bed of oysters, but 
where now only shells can be found. As no drills, starfish, drumfish, 
or other enemies of the oyster were discovered, it is probable that the 
loss of the oysters of this bed, as well as of the bed to the westward of 
the Bulkhead, was occasioned by one of the various hurricanes which 
have recently swejjt this region, the oysters being smothered by the 
mud deposited, which had been stirred uj) by the unusual currents and 
heavy seas. 

Planting ground. — In addition to the areas of scattered oysters, there 
are, in this i)art of the sound, 1,405 acres of excellent planting ground. 
The strip along the northern shore extends from the scattered area to 
Cxreen Point, and makes out from shore about a quarter of a mile, and 
out to a depth of about 4 feet at low water. This strip covers 665 acres. 

The only attempt at oyster cultivation in the area covered by the 
survey was made by Mr. J. G. Knge, of Apalachicola, on the north 



198 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 

shore of St. Ymcent Sound, just to the eastward of the thickest section 
of the scattered oyster area. There is a good scattered growth there at 
present, which probably resulted from this planting. Mr. Ruge was 
unsuccessful, owing, as he states, to insufficient protection by the State 
law. The planting ground along the St. Vincent Island shore covers 
740 acres, and extends from the wide belt of scattered growth to Silva's 
Bar, and out to a depth of about 5 feet at low water. 

The whole eastern portion of St. Yincent Sound is well fitted by 
nature for the cultivation of oysters. The density and temperatures are 
favorable, the bottom is smooth and uniform in depth, and the locality 
is well sheltered from violent storms 5 it is generally deep enough not 
to be affected by the freezes which occur during the heavy northers in 
winter^ when the surface of the water is far below mean low-water 
level. This locality is free from enemies of the oyster^ as far as known, 
and it is not likely to be affected by freshets in the Apalachicola Eiver. 
Probably the whole eastern part of the sound might be placed under 
cultivation by covering the soft mud of the bottom with shells or other 
suitable substances, to which the spat might attach itself. 

APALACHICOLA BAY. 

General description. — The whole bay covers an area of 63 square miles. 
It extends about 10 miles in an east-and-west direction and about 6J 
miles in a north- and- south direction. It is connected with the sea by 
West Pass, Sand Island Pass, and Ii^ew Inlet. The latter two, on 
account of their shoal water, are of little importance. Through West 
Pass 13 feet can be carried at low water, and after entering the bay 
the channel deepens to 16 feet, and this depth can be carried to a posi- 
tion northwest of Xew Inlet. With the exception of this deep channel, 
the bay is generally shoal, the depth decreasing as the northern shore 
is approached. The most noticeable hydrographic feature of the bay 
is an oyster reef, composed mostly of dead shells, which practically 
divides the western part of the bay. This reef is called St. Vincent 
Bar, is very narrow, and extends out from St. Vincent Point in an 
easterly and southerly direction for about 4 miles. The ship channel is 
around the south end of this reef, but there is a boat channel through 
the reef, with 4 feet at low water, about half a mile from St. Vincent 
Point. Between St. Vincent Bar and Apalachicola are found all the 
oyster reefs of the western part of the bay. These beds were formerly 
productive, but are not at present worked. 

The central part of the bay is devoid of oyster beds, and only a few 
beds, mostly of scattered oysters, are found in the eastern part, until 
St. George Sound is reached. 

By far the greater part of tbe bottom of the central portion of the 
bay is soft mud. There is a dredged channel to Apalachicola, and also 
one into St. George Sound. The latter body of water adjoins the bay 
to the eastward, and a line drawn from Oat Point, south, forms the 
division. The bay adjoins St. Vincent Sound at a line between Green 



OYSTER REGIONS OF APALACHICOLA BAY, ETC. 199 

Point and St. Vincent Point. The northeast extension of the bay is 
called East Bay, and is very shallow. It is unimportant as far as oyster 
interests are concerned. The same is true of Shoal Bayou and Alligator 
Bayou, the latter being very nearly dry at low water. 

Apalachicola Eiver enters at Apalachicola and furnishes the main 
fresh- water supply to the bay. The shore to the eastward, as far as 
East Bay, is cut up by the different mouths of the Apalachicola and 
other rivers. It was noticed that the north part of the bay, near the 
mouths of the rivers, had shoaled considerably since the original 
hydrographic survey, and in one case, noticeably, there had been an 
increase of depth in a locality where there had formerly been a shoal 
reef. As this occurred in a part of the bay which is a thoroughfare 
for vessels bound for Oarrabelle, and as the channel was not known 
previous to the survey, this newly discovered channel is of great 
hydrographic importance. This channel is about IJ miles north of 
Cedar Point and nearly in line with Cedar Point and Cat Point. 
Through it 8 feet can be carried at mean low water, which is half a 
foot more water than could be carried by the buoyed channel. This 
new channel should undoubtedly be buoyed. 

Many other changes will be noticed by comparing the accompanying 
map with the Coast Survey chart. This map may be used with the 
greatest confidence by the navigator, as the hydrographic survey was 
carried on with the greatest care and exactness. 

Densities. — The observations at the mouth of Apalachicola Eiver, 
extending over a period of two months, gave an average density of 
1.0043 and temperature of 53° F. The highest temperature was 62° P., 
the lowest 48° P. The density between Apalachicola and Green Point 
(mean of 295 observations) was 1.0057 and the temperature 54^, with 
maximum 69° and minimum 32°. At a position 1^ miles off shore from 
the latter locality, the density was 1.0106 and temperature 53 o P., with 
maximum 57° and minimum 49°. Other densities and temperatures are 
shown on the map, but are not the result of such extended observations. 

It must be borne in mind that, as the survey was carried on during 
the latter part of the winter and early spring months, the densities and 
temperatures are, of course, quite different from what they would have 
been in the summer. The densities probably show a maximum fresh- 
ness, as during the dry summer months they would show a maximum 
saltness. This was exemplified by the long series of observations taken 
during the survey, the difference between the first and latter part of 
the observations being very marked. For days during the latter part 
of the survey the water was entirely fresh. 

An apparent discrepancy exists between the densities shown in the 
southwest part of the bay and the others near the source of fresh water, 
the former being lower, or fresher, than the latter. This is accounted 
for by the fact that during the time the offshore observations were 
taken, the water at the north shore stations was perfectly fresh. As 
before stated, there was only a short series of observations taken at the 



200 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 

southwest stations, on account of tlie sliort space of time available. 
The ebb and flow of the tides, as well as the force and direction of the 
wind, seemed to affect the densities to a very small degree at the main 
station, which was about half way between Aj^alachicola and Green 
Point. Off the mouth of the river the density was affected by the wind 
considerably^ a northerly wind bringing low densities. 

Observations were taken to establish the relation between the surface 
and the bottom densities and temperatures, and it was found that no 
appreciable difference existed,- therefore, in taking the observations, a 
mean depth was generally used. This uniformity is explained by the 
fact of the shoalness of the water. In tlie eastern part of the bay the 
density and tem]3erature observations were carried through considerable 
periods, and the results may be thoroughly relied upon. The densities 
decrease from the southern shore towards the northern shore, until, in 
East Bay and in Shoal Bayou and Alligator Bayou, the densities show 
the water fresh. In these bodies of water no oysters are found. 

The currents. — The currents of the bay are moderate in velocity, but 
are sufficient to furnish an abundant food supply to the oysters. On 
account of the shoal water they depend for the direction of their set 
on the winds. Heavy easterly or northerly winds drive the waters of 
the bay before them, without regard to the ebb or flow of the tide, and 
sometimes cause currents of considerable velocity. The heavy north- 
ers drive the water out through the passes with considerable velocity, 
and southerly gales cause strong northerly currents in them, in both 
cases without regard to the normal ebb and flow of the tides. 

At a x)osition about IJ miles southeast of Green Point, the ebb cur- 
rent runs to the westward and the flood current to the eastward, the 
velocity in each case varying from half a knot, in light breezes, to 
IJ knots or more in strong winds. 

Off the beacon, at the entrance to the dredged channel to Apalachi- 
cola, the current is just the oi^i^osite in the corresponding directions of 
ebb and flood j here ebb current sets to the eastward and flood to the 
westward. In calm weather each curreut runs about half a knot an 
hour. There are times when a greater rise and fall of the tides give a 
southerly and northerly direction to the ebb and flow respectively. In 
strong westerly gales the current runs from 3 to 4 knots an hour to the 
eastward, as long as the wind continues strong. 

Off' buoy E"o. 8, between Cat Point and the beacon, the flood runs to 
westward and the ebb to eastward. 

At a position about three-fourths of a mile to the southward of Cat 
Point, the flood runs to the westward and the northward, and the ebb 
to the eastward and southward 5 the currents have an average flow of 
about 1 knot an hour. These, of course, are the average currents 
under normal conditions. 

On the southern side of the bay, off' Cedar Point, the flood runs to 
the westward and the ebb to the eastward, each with an average velocity 
of half a knot per hour. The same general rule seems to apply to the 



OYSTER REGIONS OF APALACHICOLA BAY, ETC. 201 

current, with regard to direction of ebb and flow, all along the shore of 
St. George Island as far as New Inlet. Over the oyster bed known as 
East Hole the appearance of a mossy growth on the beds would seem 
to indicate eddying currents at this part of the bay, but this theory 
was not established by observation on account of lack of time. At a 
position between the central part of St. Yincent Bar and West Pass, 
the currents run to the eastward during flood and to the Avestward 
during ebb. Flood current has a velocity from 1 to 2^ knots and ebb 
from i to 1 knot per hour. 

As in other parts of the bay, the winds govern the currents very 
percei)tibly. 

The tides. — The mean rise and fall of the tides, established by con- 
tinuous observations lasting during the period covered by the survey, 
was 1.8 feet, but it must be borne in mind that the tidal observations 
were taken during the winter and early spring, and that a soqiewhat 
different result might have been obtained from a series of observations 
during the summer. 

The tides are very much affected by the winds, and this is particu- 
larly noticeable during the heavy northers, when the water is driven 
out of the bay and the tide is very much below the level of mean low 
water, being in some cases as much as 1.1 feet below. This very low 
water is usually accompanied by cold, and sometimes by freezing 
weather, which is very destructive to such i3arts of the oyster beds as 
are exposed. Heavy southerly gales cause unusually high tides, and 
hurricanes and freshets cause disastrous floods. 

As is well known, there is usually but one tide in twenty-four hours 
on this part of the Gulf coast, and the tides are very irregular. At 
times during the survey the tide would be low for several days together, 
and then, again, would be high for a considerable period. In fact, the 
tides are affected by the winds to such an extent as to sometimes 
almost obliterate the effects of the lunar influences. 

WESTERN PART OF APALACHICOLA BAY. 

Suva's Bar, — The dense growth of oysters on this bar covers 16 acres, 
and the scattering growth, surrounding the bar proper, contains about 
200 acres. The bar has from 2 to 3 feet of water on it at low water, an(1 
extends nearly north from St. Vincent Bar for about three-fourths of a 
mile, being about 100 yards in width. The scattering growth extends 
out half a mile beyond the bar, and is over one-fourth of a mile in width. 

The oysters of this bar are of excellent quality, and there is only one 
other bed — Cat Point Bar — which can be compared with it. These 
oysters also compare very favorably with the best northern oysters. 
They are most jflentiful on the northern portions of the bar, being found 
here, in number, about 20 to the square yard, and are about equally 
divided in bunches and single oysters. They average from 3 to 5 in a 
bunch. The whole area of oyster bottom is quite clear, with very little 
vegetable growth. The oysters are covered generally with barnacles 



202 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 

and mussels, aud in some cases with, vegetable growth to a small degree. 
By using the probe on the bed proper, it was found that it was about 
a foot thick, after which a strata of hard sand was met with, and then 
soft mud. Considerable quantity of young growth, in different stages 
of development, was noticed, but no collection of spat. No enemies of 
the oyster were discovered. The bottom covered by oysters consists of 
hard sand. 

St. Vincent Bar. — This bar is a very long broken one, consisting, for 
the most part, of dead oyster shells, and extending about 1 mile in 
an easterly direction aud about 3 miles in a southerly direction. Oys- 
ters are only found at the northern end, and are not sufficiently close 
together to be designated as dense growth. The area of scattered 
oysters covers about 200 acres, and the area of the old bed lying 
to the southward, consisting only of shells, covers 335 acres. At the 
northerji end of the reef there is a shell bank, out of water about IJ 
feet at high water, and extending out from St. Vincent Point half a 
mile 5 then comes the boat channel before alluded to, and then another 
shell bank extending half a mile. From this point, the reef is broken 
up into patches which are exposed at high water. 

A marked peculiarity of this long reef is that it is very steep-to on its 
southern and western sides, and shelves off' gradually on the northern 
and eastern sides. The oysters are found almost entirely on the latter 
or shelving side, but they do not extend along the reef more than If 
miles. The oysters occur in bunches of from three to six, and are also 
found singly. They are all of good size and excellent quality, with 
the exception of those that are on the tops of the reefs, awash at low 
water, which approach the raccoon type. A good growth of young 
oysters, in different stages of advancement, was found all along the 
reef where there are oysters, and the bed seemed to be improving. 

No oysters of any marketable value are found on the reef beyond the 
limit already mentioned. There are, however, some oysters of young 
growth which give promise, if undisturbed, of forming a bed, in course 
of time, of some commercial value. Of the enemies to the oyster, one 
single drill was found at the end of the bar, and this was the only drill 
found in this part of the bay. 

The probable loss of this oyster bed, which in former years was one 
of the most productive, is due probably to the very severe hurricane 
which occurred several years ago. At that time the bar was completely 
covered up by mud, and only of late years has it begun to clear. Dur- 
ing the hurricane the southern portion of the bar was more exposed 
than the northern portion and the beds to the northward, which 
accounts for the fact that oysters are still found in the latter localities. 

It is generally supposed that a swift current is favorable to oyster 
life; the whole length of St. Yincent Bar is favorably placed in this 
respect, as the current over it, banked up by the reef, has considerable 
velocity. The densities here are more influenced by the flow of the tide 
than in any other locality in this vicinity. 



OYSTER REGIONS OF APALACHICOLA BAY, ETC. 203 

As before remarked, there is apparently no reason why the whole of 
St. Vincent Bar should not again become a productive bed, and the 
general appearance of the young growth bears out this opinion. 

The sJiell reefs north of the end of St. Vincent Bar. — A number of shell 
reefs, with no live oysters on or near them, are found about IJ miles 
north of tbe end of St. Vincent Bar. These former oyster beds are 
similar to the southern part of St. Vincent Bar in regard to there being 
no oysters of full size found on or near them. They consist of one large 
reef with 4 feet of water on it at low water, containing 23 acres, and 
three other smaller ones, containing altogether 13 acres. They all 
rise abruptly out of from 8 to 10 feet of water. On these beds the shells 
occur in clusters of from 8 to 10, and vary in size from J inch to 4J 
inches in length. The inside of the shell presents a clean appearance, 
as if the shell had been buried and only lately uncovered; this 
applied to the smaller as well as to the larger shells. The outsides of 
the shells were covered with barnacles, and a good many oyster crabs 
were noticed. A few live oysters of young growth, about half an inch 
in diameter, were found on many of the shells, but this growth seemed 
to be confined to the ridges of the reefs proper. The old shells are very 
closely packed, and a good many are covered with a coating of mud. 
The probe showed these beds to be about 3 J inches in thickness. Under 
the beds there is a layer of soft mud for a depth of 2 feet, and then hard 
sand for about a foot or more. 'No vegetable growth was found on the 
beds, and no enemies of the oyster could be discovered. Undoubtedly 
the loss of these beds was due to the same cause that destroyed St. 
Vin cen t Bar — namely, the hurricane before spoken of. The appearance 
of the beds indicates that they had been buried and only lately uncov- 
ered. It is likely that these beds will recover, if not molested. 

South Lump. — This is the name given to an oyster bed which lies 
half way between the end of St. Vincent Bar and Tow Head Island, 
near Apalachicola, and about half way between them. It contains 35 
acres of quite a dense growth of oysters, which are, for the most part, 
small in size. The reef runs east and west, and is five-eighths of a 
mile in length, and a little more than an eighth of a mile wide at its 
widest part. It has over it a depth of from 3 to 6 feet at low water, 
with a ruling depth of 4 feet. The depth of water surrounding the 
reef is from 8 to 9 feet at low water, and the reef is more shelving on 
the north than on the south side. This bed, like the others surround- 
ing it on the north side, was formerly very productive, but it, like 
the others, was so overworked that it became depleted a few years 
ago. Since that time, these beds have been left to recuperate, and it 
seems probable that, if left undisturbed, they will soon recover their 
former productiveness. At present among the old shells are found 
some full-grown oysters — about two to a square yard — while all over the 
bed young oysters are found of all sizes, all in a healthy condition. No 
enemies to the oyster were discovered. The bed is 2 feet in thickness, 
and underlying the bed it is hard sand. 



204 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 

Oysters hehveen South Lump and central part of St. Vincent Bar. — A 
cluster of beds, surrounded by a scattered growth of oysters, occupies 
a space about half way between South Lump and the central part of 
St. Vincent Bar. The reefs proper consist of one large crescent-shaped 
reef, containing 18 acres of dense growth, and two smalt ones to the 
east and west of the large one, containing resi^ectively 4 and 3 acres. 
The large area of scattered growth lies to the westward and northward 
of the reefs, and contains 145 acres. On the beds there are 4 to 5 
feet of water, and the water surrounding them and on the scattered 
growth is about 7 to 8 feet in depth. There are some full-grown oysters 
in bunches of from 2 to 4, but the beds consist principally of young 
growth in all stages of development, most of which seems to be in good, 
healthy condition. 

With regard to the young growth a peculiar circumstance was noted 
in a few instances: Among the shells tonged up were found attached 
small shells of IJ years growth, which had died and were filled with 
mud. Where the old shells were taken up the mud had a disagreeable 
odor of tar gas, or something resembling it, which may have caused 
the death of the oysters. The thickness of the bed was 1 foot, with 
soft sand underneath. The full-grown oysters are of good flavor and 
in good condition. They are found on the beds about 8 to the square 
yard. The young growth was plentiful, there being about half a bushel 
to 4 square yards. 

The area of scattered growth has a bottom of uniform depth, aver- 
aging about 7J feet at low water. The area is covered with old shells 
imbedded in the sand, to which the young oysters are attached. There 
are some full-grown oysters, but most of them are of medium and small 
size. They are in bunches, with small oysters and spat attached, and 
all are covered with barnacles and mussels. Of the small oysters 
there are about 3 bunches to a square yard, the bunches varying in the 
number of oysters in each. As the bottom all along the western and 
southern edges of this area as far as St. Vincent Bar is suitable for 
oyster growth, there is no reason why the bed should not expand, in 
time, to a much greater size. It is fair to suppose that if the beds are 
not worked for two years they will improve to such an extent as to be 
again in condition for h arvesting. 

Oyster reef northwest of South Lump. — A long, narrow oyster reef is 
found three-fourths of a mile northwest of South Lump, and between 
it and Green Point. The whole reef contains 5 acres of dense growth 
and 19 square acres of scattered growth, and extends in a northeast- 
erly and southwesterly direction for three-fourths of a mile, being quite 
narrow. It has from 4J to 5 feet of water on it at low water, and rises 
abruptly from a depth of 7 feet. The foundation of the bed consists of 
old worn-out shells, on which are found some full-grown single oysters, 
especially on the eastern part of the reef. Young oysters and spat are 
found in considerable abundance all over the reef. The number of full- 
grown oysters is 4 to a square yard, and of the small growth 1 bushel 



OYSTER REGIONS OF APALACHICOLA BAY, ETC. 205 



to a space of 4 square yards. The oysters are of good flavor and fat. 
The young growth occurs in bunches of from three to six. No vegeta- 
ble matter was found^ or enemies of any kind noticed. The bed is 6 
inches deep, with soft sand underneath. 

This bed in a few years will become one of excellent productiveness. 

The reef north of South Licmp. — A long, narrow oyster reef, to which 
no name has been given by the oystermen, begins at a point about half 
a mile north of South Lump, and extends in a northwesterly direction 
for over a mile. The reef itself, except at its middle portion, is very 
narrow, and has only 4J to 5^ feet of water on it at low water. It 
rises abruptly from a uniformly soft muddy bottom, on which is a 
depth of from 7 to 8 feet at low water. The area covered by oysters 
extends beyond the limits of the reef itself, and measures 67 acres. 
This bed has the same characteristics as the others in this locality. 
There is a good growth of young oysters attached to the old shells, and 
rather fewer full-grown oysters than are found on the neighboring 
beds. Observations gave about three full-grown oysters to a square 
yard, and half a bushel of young growth to 4 square yards. The 
oysters here were rather fresh in flavor, but this was probably due to 
the low density which existed for some time just before the observations 
were made. The bed, like the others hereabouts, gives good promise 
of productiveness. 

There is a small outlying patch of about 5 acres lying about an 
eighth of a mile east of the bed just described, and it has the same 
characteristics. 

Thigpen Bar. — This oyster bed is located near the mouth of the Apa- 
lachicola Eiver, and is about half a mile west of the entrance of the 
dredged channel. It is a narrow bar running in a northwest- and- 
southeast direction for over half a mile, and the whole oyster area 
covers 13 acres. There are only 3 feet of water at low water on its 
shoalest parts, and it has about it 5J to G feet of water and muddy 
bottom. On this bed there are full-grown oysters of excellent quality, 
as well as a fine growtli of young oysters in different stages of devel- 
opment. The large oysters are found singly and in bunches of from 
two to five. The full-grown oysters are found about nineteen to the 
square yard. The depth of the bed is 1 foot, with hard sand underneath. 

Thigpen Bar, in common with all the oyster beds of the northern 
part of the bay, has not been worked for several seasons by the oyster- 
men, as it had been agreed to allow these beds to remain undisturbed 
for a time, to give them a chance to recui^erate from their state of 
depletion, brought about by the too great demand of a few years pre- 
vious. It would appear at i)resent that this bar ranks next to Silva's 
Bar in point of quality of its oysters. It is, however, of small extent. 

It seems somewhat strange that this excellent bed of oysters should 
exist in such close proximity to the entrance of the dredged channel to 
the river, but it must be remembered that this extrance is fully 2 miles 
from the mouth of the river^ and a very small part of the fresh water 



206 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 

of the river is confined to tlie channel, but overflows in all directions 
after leaving the mouth. Also, it should be remembered that there is 
a tidal current at the bar, which tends to remove any deposit of silt 
which may be brought down by the river. 

During the latter part of the survey the dredging of the cut at the 
entrance of the river was in progress, and all the mud removed was 
dumped on the west side of this bar. Whether or not this deposit of 
mud will destroy the bed remains to be proved. 

Oyster bed near Thigpen Bar. — A small detached bed lies just east 
of Thigpen Bar and northwest of black buoy Ko. 5. It covers 7 acres 
and has the same characteristics as Thigpen. At the east end of the 
reef there are only 3f feet of water at low water, and this shoal spot 
is exactly in line with the dredged cut. 

Area of good planting -ground. — The area suitable for cultivating 
oysters includes a long strip extending in a north- and- south direction 
nearly from the end of St. Vincent Bar to Green Point, and in an 
east-and-west direction from the edge of the reef to the first cluster 
of outlying oyster beds. It is 4 miles in length and averages about a 
mile in width, covering an area of 2,440 acres. In this area there is, 
opposite Silva's Bar, a small circular space of nearly three-eighths of a 
mile in diameter where the bottom is soft mud, and therefore unfit for 
cultivation. The lower half of the southern portion of the planting 
area has a bottom covered with shell, which, no doubt, some time ago 
was an area of scattered oysters, and which will become one again in 
the coarse of time. All the northern part of the area has a bottom 
which consists almost entirely of hard sand. 

THE EASTERN PART OF APALACHICOLA BAY. 

N^orman^s Bar. — This name is given to the oyster bed lying nearly 
14 miles to the westward of Oat Point. The bed, although not at 
present of dense growth of oysters, is quite extensive and covers an 
area of 285 acres. It extends in a KKW. and SSE. direction for 2J 
miles and is about one-fourth of a mile wide, except in its southern 
extremity, where it gradually narrows. There is a depth at low water 
of 4J feet on the central part of the reef, with a depth of 5 J and 6 feet 
to the westward and eastward of the reef. At all the other parts of 
the reef there is only a slight decrease in the depth of water from the 
waters surrounding it. The bed contains no marked ridge, and has a 
uniform bottom consisting of hard sand. 

A peculiarity of this bed is that its crust is thicker than any of the 
beds thus far spoken of in the western part of the bay, and the old 
shells comprising it seem to be more closely packed. The probe, with 
a sharpened steel point, could hardly be driven through the closely 
packed mass of old shells, and it was found to be 3 to 3 J feet in depth. 
Boft sand was found underneath. 



OYSTER REGIONS OF APALACHICOLA BAY, ETC. 207 

Over the old shells composing the bottom of the bed is found a 
scattering growth of oysters, mostly small in size and unevenly dis- 
tributed, those in the southern portion being more plentiful and of 
better size and quality than those found at the northern part. At the 
southern portion the oysters are found in bunches of from two to five, 
with a good growth of young oysters indifferent stages of development 
attached. The oysters here are found about nine to the square yard. 
Some grass was found growing on them and a few black crabs were 
noticed. 

On the middle portion of the reef the oysters occur in bunches of 
from three to eight, but fewer bunches are found, the average number 
of oysters being three to the square yard. 

At the north end of the reef the oysters are still more scattering. 
The oysters on the middle part of the reef seem to be about 2 years 
old. Some spat was noticed on the shells at the northern part of the 
reef. The oysters at the north end of the reef were of poor quality 
compared with those at the southern end. This is to be expected from 
a study of the densities shown on the map. 

Norman's Bar has not been lately worked to any extent, as it had 
previously been overworked. If the bar is undisturbed for a year or 
two it can then be worked profitably; the bed can undoubtedly be kept 
in a productive condition if worked moderately and the undersized 
oysters culled and thrown over. 

The North Lumps. — There are three small detached beds of oysters 
lying nearly in line between Godley Bluff and the north end of Norman's 
Bar. The total area of these beds is 10 acres. They lie in about 4 to 
5 feet of water, and the eastern, or inshore one, has but 2 feet on it 
at low water. The middle one has 2J feet on it, and the western one 
4^ feet at low water j the latter lies in about 5 feet of water. 

The oysters on the beds are found in quite dense growth, there being 
thirty to the square yard; they are of good size and fatness, but, 
owing to the freshness of the water, have the pecul'iar insipid taste 
noticeable with oysters growing in water of low density. The thickness 
of the crust is about 3 feet. 

Oyster beds westivard of Normanh Bar. — Two small beds lie one- 
fourth of a mile to the westward of the north end of Norman's Bar. 
The northern one of these two beds is half a mile long and very narrow; 
it lies nearly half a mile north of the other, and contains 7 acres. The 
southern one is circular in shape and contains about 4 acres. The least 
depth of water on these beds is 3J feet at low water. The oysters are 
in bunches of from three to four. They are of medium size, with young 
growth and spat attached, and, as usual, covered with barnacles and 
mussels. They are found on the bottom about fifteen to a square yard. 
As may be expected from their location, they are not of good flavor. 

Beds to northivard of buoy No. 8. — Two long, narrow beds extend to 
the northward from buoy No. 8 (present location), and lie on a line 



208 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 

between the middle part of Norman's Bar and tlie entrance to the 
dredged channel to Apalachicola. The northern reef is particularly 
long and narrow, having a length of nearly three-fourths of a mile and 
an average width of only about 50 yards. It covers 15 acres. The 
southern reef is nearly three-eighths of a mile long, and contains 8 
acres. It is separated from the northern by a distance of one-fourth of 
a mile, the bottom between the two being hard sand and shell. 

There is a detached bed, containing 4 acres, lying 200 yards east of 
the south end of the southern reef, and just northwest of the present 
position of buoy Ko, 8. The depth of water on the two long beds is 
5 to 5^ feet at low water and on the smaller one 6J feet. 

The oysters of these beds all have the same characteristics — they 
form a scattered growth, and occasionally are found singly, but more 
often in bunches. The single ones are the largest, and are of fair qual- 
ity. There are a large number of small oysters, and it is probable that 
these beds will rapidly improve if they are worked moderately, and the 
undersized oysters culled and thrown back on the beds. 

Pelican Bar. — This bar lies about half a mile from the southern shore, 
and about 2 miles to the eastward of Cedar Point. It is nearly three- 
eighths of a mile long, and contains 10 acres of a moderately dense 
growth of oysters. It has, on the eastern side, a scattered growth, 
containing 38 acres. It is very shoal, having only 1 foot of water at 
low water. The oysters are mostly small, the greater part of market- 
able oysters having been taken in former years, and the small ones not 
having had time to grow. They are found in bunches of three to ten. 
Nearly all have a growth of brown and green grass on the shell. Con- 
siderable spat was noticed. No enemies were found. Like other beds, 
Pelican Bar will improve if worked in moderation. 

Oyster hed near Pelican Bar. — A small bed lies about WNW. of Pel- 
ican Bar, distant nearly half a mile. The bed is three-eighths of a 
mile long and one-eighth of a mile wide, and covers altogether 24 
acres, of which 7 have a dense growth. The oysters of dense growth 
are found about seventeen to the square yard, being in bunches of 
from two to four. Those of the scattered growth have about six to 
the square yard. The oysters are small and not fat, but of good flavor. 
Numerous young were noticed, and there was a good collection of spat. 
On some of the oysters a vegetable growth was found, and all, as usual, 
were covered thickly with barnacles and mussels. 

As the bottom all about this bed is favorable for oyster life, it will 
probably improve and spread if it is given proper treatment. 

This bed and Pelican Bar have been very little worked recently, 
owing to the fact of there being so few marketable oysters on them, 
the supply of large ones having been exhausted in former years. 

Oyster hed east of Pelican Bar. — A small bed lies about east from Peli- 
can Bar and distant a little over half a juile. It has an approximate 
area of 7 acres. There are only 2^ feet of water on it at low water. 



OYSTER REGIONS OF APALACHICOLA BAY, ETC. 209 

The o^ysters on this bar have the same characteristics as Pelican Bar 
and the bar westward of Pelican Bar. 

Area of scattered growth along the south shore. — All along the north 
shore of St. George Island, from a point 1 mile east of New Inlet, is 
a narrow strip of oyster growth, more or less scattered, extending out 
from the shore about an eighth of a mile. Scattering oysters also are 
found in the small inlets, creeks, and bays along the shore. These 
oysters are all of inferior quality and are mostly of the raccoon type, 
those close inshore being ex^Dosed at low water. They are not taken 
for marketable purposes. 

Area of old beds where no live oysters are note found. — Between Cedar 
Point and I^orman's Bar, and about WNW. from Pelican Bar, is an 
area of 285 acres which is covered by old oyster shells, and which 
was formerly a good oyster bed. This extinct bed extends IJ miles in 
a north west-and-south east direction, and has a general width of nearly 
three-eighths of a mile. Ko oysters are found on this area. The loss 
of the bed is attributable to the hurricane which destroyed St. Vincent 
Bar. The present position of buoy Ko. 8 is in the northern portion of 
this area, and the channel to Oarrabelle, that always has been used, 
crosses it just south of the buoy. A much better channel, with 8 feet 
at mean low water, was developed by the survey. It lies just south of 
this area above described. 

Good planting-ground in the eastern part of Apalaehicola Bay. — The 
area best suited for oyster cultivation in the eastern x)art of Apalaeh- 
icola Bay extends from the shore of St. George Island, just east of 
Pelican Bar, to the extinct bed before mentioned, and terminates some- 
what beyond it, at a long, narrow oyster bed. It practically covers a 
long spit or shoal that makes out from St. George Island in a general 
northwesterly direction for over 4 miles. The x>lanting-ground also 
covers the area about Pelican Bar and the small oyster beds to the 
westward and eastward of it. The extinct bed can be included in this 
l^lau ting- ground. The bottom consists almost entirely of hard sand, 
except over such portions as are covered with shell. The density, tem- 
perature, and currents are all favorable to oyster- culture. 

Adjoining this ground and extending along the southern shore of 
the bar to within a mile of l^ew Inlet is another large area that also 
may be considered suitable for planting, although in a somewhat less 
degree than the area just described, on account of the greater density 
of the water. The ground makes out nearly half a mile from shore, 
except oft' Cedar Point, where it spreads out for a distance of IJ miles. 
The whole area of ground suitable for planting, inclusive of the extinct 
bed, is 2,673 acres. 

Between Pelican Bar and Norman's Bar is a comparatively small 
area of hard bottom suitable for planting j it contains 82 acres. Its 
general direction is east and west for nearly three-fourths of a mile, 
and it is one-fourth of a mile wide. It is surrounded by soft mud. 

Another planting area, containing 175 square acres, surrounds the 
F. R. 96 14 



210 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 

IiTortli Lumps. It extends east and west for 1 mile and has a width 
of three-eighths of a mile. This latter area can not be considered as a 
very advantageous place for cultivating, on account of the low density. 

ST. GEORGE SOUND. 

The only oyster beds of any importance in St. George Sound, at 
present, are the large beds at the west end of the sound. There are 
other beds to the eastward of the limits of the survey, and some of 
them were formerly productive, but at present none are worked. It is 
to be regretted that lack of time prevented including these few beds in 
the survey. The area from Cat Point southeast to St. George Island, 
for an average width of nearly three-fourths of a mile, forms one large, 
continuous oyster bed, although different names are given to different 
]3arts of the area. It is here that the oyster fleet, consisting of about 
32 vessels, has recently been concentrated, and during the season of 
the survey practically all the oysters brought into Apalachicola were 
obtained on these beds. 

The following is a description of these beds in detail : 

Gat Point Bar. — This bed extends from Oat Point southward for about 
1 J miles, and is nearly three-fourths of a mile wide, except at its north- 
ern part. It adjoins Platform Bar to the southeast, and is separated 
from Bulkhead Bar by the dredged cut. It contains 485 acres of dense 
growth of oysters, and 77 acres of scattered growth between the shore 
and denser growth. It has a least depth of water of 2 feet, while the 
ruling depth is 3J feet. 

The oysters of this bed, especially those found near the 3-foot curve 
off Cat Point, are of the very finest quality, and it is probable that no 
better flavored oysters can be found in any part of the country. They 
are not only exceptionally good in flavor, but are large and fat. At 
this part of the reef the oysters are found singly and in bunches of from 
two to five. The number to the square yard is 19. li^umerous young 
are found attached to the shells, as well as a few barnacles and mussels. 
No drills, conchs, or other enemies could be discovered, and there was 
no vegetable growth found on the oysters. The probe showed that the 
crust of the bed was about 1 foot thick, with hard sand underneath. 

About the center of the bed the oysters are even more plentiful, 
there being as many as 60 to the square yard. There was found a fine 
growth of young oysters attached, aggregating four to five young on 
each bunch. All over the bed old worn-out shells are found, and mus- 
sels and barnacles in quantities, but no vegetable growth. At the 
southern part of the bed observations showed the oysters to be quite 
as numerous as in the middle part, and of good size and excellent 
quality. Everywhere is a numerous growth of young, but no spat was 
noticed. The bed seems at all places to have the same thickness of 
crust. The scattered growth extends from the shore out to the dense 
growth. The oysters here are not of as good quality as those farther 



OYSTER REGIONS OF APALACHICOLA BAY, ETC. 211 

offshore. Close inshore are several raccoon beds which are dry at low 
water. 

Flatform Bar. — This is the name given to the southeast extension of 
Oat Point Bar, and only the western x)art of this bar is shown on the 
map. The part included by the survey covers 130 acres. There are 
very few large oysters on this bed, but there is a fine growth of young 
oysters, in different stages of development, attached to the old shells, 
and in bunches of from three to ten. On the old single shells a quan- 
tity of spat was found. Yery few barnacles were seen, and no mussels. 
There were no enemies or vegetable growth discovered. The number 
of bunches of young oysters to the si3ace of 1 square yard is about 
seven, and these young oysters, when full grown, will make a fine bed. 
The crust of this bed is 2 feet thick. 

Bulkhead Bar. — This oyster bed lies to the southward and westward 
of the dredged cut, and covers only a comparatively small space when 
compared to the large beds of East Hole and Cat Point bars. The 
number of acres of dense growth included is 210, and extending out 
from its western edge is an area of scattered growth containing 59 acres. 
The bed contains good single oysters and oysters in bunches of from 
two to seven, and the average of the observations in different parts of 
the bed gives thirty-three oysters to the square yard — ^rather less than 
was found on Cat Point Bar. At the same time fewer young oysters 
were found than on Cat Point Bar, and the oysters, although fairly fat, 
had a somewhat fresh taste. ]^o spat was noticed here, nor was there any 
vegetable growth. The probe showed the crust to be about 2 feet thick. 
Underneath was a layer of soft sand 5 feet thick, and then hard sand. 

The ruling depth of water on the bed is 4J to 5J feet, while the water 
on the scattered growth to the westward is 7 feet, all at low water. 
The scattered growth runs out to the westward until it nearly meets 
the eastern end of Gorman's Bar. 

Bast Hole Bar. — This is the name of the large oyster bed of dense 
growth that extends from Bulkhead Bar in a SE. direction to the shore 
of St. George Island. It is nearly 2 miles long, with an average width 
of three-fourths of a mile, and covers 720 acres. It has a depth of water 
at low water of from 4 to 5 feet, except along its eastern edge, where it 
has 8 or 9 feet. The oysters on the northern half of the bed are found 
almost entirely in bunches, usually two to five oysters in each bunch. 
They average about thirty-five to the square yard. There is a good 
growth of young in all stages, but no spat was found. On nearly all 
the bunches of oysters were i)atches of brown or green grass, from 4 to 
9 inches in length. There was the usual collection of barnacles and 
mussels. No enemies were observed. 

The oysters are of fair quality and in rather poor condition. Tbe 
southern portion of the bed contains a thick growth of full-grown oys- 
ters in bunches of from three to eight, with young growth attached of 
aU ages, from tiny spat to a size of 2 inches, A few of the full-grown 



212 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 

oysters were found to be of the raccoon type. Besides barnacles and 
mussels eacli buncli liad more or less brown grass attached. The grass 
here was from 3 to 10 inches long. The oysters are not of good quality 
or of good flavor. The average number of large oysters found in a 
square yard was about half a bushel; thickness of the crust was IJ feet. 

The same general conditions exist as in the northern part of the bed. 
The thick growth of full-grown oysters extends to the 3-foot curve, 
when the growth becomes scattering and the oysters merge into the 
raccoon type. 

The grass which has been spoken of as growing on nearly all the 
oysters of East Hole Bar affects their market value considerably. It is 
said by those interested in the canning business that, in the steaming 
process, algse become mixed with the juice and appear, in the cooked 
oyster, as small i)articles of coarse hair 5 it is said, also, that the gills 
become discolored. These appearances, however, must be due to the 
preserving process to which the oysters are subjected, as Mr. Moore's 
examination of specimens from this bed, given in his report, shows that 
the algse could not permeate the body of the oyster. 

As a good part of the oysters brought into market are for canning 
purposes, it follows that the oysters of East Hole are of little value for 
this use, and the locality is therefore avoided to a great extent by 
oystermen, especially by those collecting oysters for the canning facto- 
ries. The fact that the oysters of East Hole are covered with algai to 
such an extent is probably due to the small velocity and eddying nature 
of the currents over the beds ; thus, the growth, instead of being carried 
away by the current, is retained on the bed by the eddies. Ko grass 
is found on Oat Point Bar, for the reason that the currents there are 
sufficiently strong to sweep the beds of all such matter. 

GENERAL REMARKS ON THE AREA SURVEYED. 

The oysters of the locality surveyed were first taken for the local 
market in 1836, but were not taken in any quantities until 1850. Dur- 
ing the war the beds were left undisturbed, and improved so much that 
at the end of the war they were in very good condition. After the war 
the oyster business was again taken up, but it was not until 1878 that 
it was carried on at all extensively. During the winter of 1893-91 the 
beds of St. Yincent Sound and Apalachicola Bay were nearly destroyed, 
and since that time practically no oysters have been taken from those 

Note. — Mr. J. G. Ruge, of the firm of Ruge Brothers, who Lave the largest canning 
business of Apalachicola, makes the following statement in regard to the vegetable 
growth on the oysters of East Hole vicinity : 

"The growth consists of two varieties, one of which is coarse and wiry in appear- 
ance and red or black in color. This variety does not injure the oyster for canning 
purposes. The other is much finer, and is a soft, black, hairy growth, called by local 
fishermen '' whiskers." This variety affects the oysters seriously when steamed, as 
the meat absorbs numbers of particles of it, and, notwithstanding the steamed oyster 
may be washed and rewashed, after processing, on opening the cans, myriads of fine 
hair particles may be readily observed. If these cans are left open for several days 
and the oysters exposed to the air, they turn a dark green color." 



OYSTER REGIONS OF APALACHICOLA BAY, ETC. 213 

places. The Biilkliead and Oat Point bars have lately furnished about 
all the oysters brought into market, although some few have been 
taken at Porter's Bar, to the eastward. 

The destruction of the beds in St. Yincent Sound and Apalachicola 
Bay was due somewhat to their being overworked, but principally to 
the following causes: The freshet of 1893, the hurricane of October 
8, 1894, a very severe freeze in the latter part of December of the same 
year, and another very heavy hurricane on February 13 and 11, 1895. 
There had been previously (in January, 1886) a heavy freeze that 
killed many oysters, so that few were taken the following season, and 
in 1888 a freshet seriously affected the beds. 

It seems to be the general opinion that the beds are deteriorating 
at Platform, Bulkhead, and Cat Point bars^ where oystering is going on 
at present, and the reason assigned is that the beds are overworked, 
the demand being too great for the supply. As far as known, there 
seem to be no enemies of the oyster on the beds, unless the boring clam 
mentioned by Mr. Moore in his report and the algai found on the 
oysters of the East Hole Bar may be called enemies. Mr. Moore's 
examination of the specimens revealed the fact that the barnacles and 
mussels, which have been spoken of as being found in great numbers 
on all the beds, grow with such rapidity and wedge themselves between 
the shells of the oysters so closely that they must in many instances 
cause the death of the oyster. 

The oysters are affected by long-continued dry weather, becoming 
salty in taste, and in freshets they become white and milky. Both con- 
ditions affect their sale. Heavy gales bury them completely, but other, 
wise very little deposit of mud or silt is noticed. During the heavy 
freezes the oysters that, after being frozen, are covered up by water, 
recover, but those left uncovered die. 

Of the beds to the eastward of the limits of the work, Porter's Bar was 
formerly said to have oysters resembling northern oysters, but it 
now has very few oysters on it, owing to the fact of its having been 
covered up in a hurricane. There are very few, if any, oysters on 
Sneed's Bar or Silva's Bar at present. 

The oysters are said to grow better in a depth of water of about 4 
feet at low water than at any other depth, and they thrive and grow 
faster in a tideway than in still water. 

Tongs are used entirely in getting oysters, and it is contrary to the 
State law to use a dredge of any kind. It is estimated in tonging that 
the average proportion of dead shells to live oysters, taken on the beds 
worked at present, is about two-thirds of shells to one-third of oysters, 
and the proportion of the larger to the smaller oysters is one market- 
able oyster to two small ones. The number of oysters to the bushel 
brought into market is about 140 to 165. The best age for market is 
from three to five years, and flavor is not taken into account in the 
market price, but only size and fatness. It is found that about 2 per 
cent of the oysters have oyster crabs in them. 



214 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 

The oyster shells are thick and heavy, thus making great bulk to 
proportion of contents as compared with Chesapeake Bay oysters. As 
already stated, the oysters formerly on Porter's Bar were an exception to 
the rule. For canning i)urposes the Chesapeake Bay oysters yield 50 to 
70 ounces of cooked meat to the bushel, and the oysters brought into 
the Ai)alachicola market yield 30 to 40 ounces to the bushel. The 
highest yield known in a day's work was 72 ounces of northern oysters, 
and of Apalachicola oysters 43 ounces, to the bushel. 

MEASURES FOR IMPROVEMENT OF THE BEDS. 

There is no room for discussion concerning the comi)arative harmful 
effects of the use of the tongs and dredges in Florida waters, as the u^e 
of the latter is prohibited by State law. A copy of the laws is appended 
to the report, and a study of them will show that good laws have been 
enacted by the legislature to protect the natural beds. It is probable, 
however, that an improvement would be made by prohibiting the taking 
of oysters after April 15, or even earlier, as the warm waters of the Gulf 
cause an early spawning season. It is doubtful whether the law regard- 
ing the taking of small oysters and the culling of the oysters — espe- 
cially the latter — ^are strictly complied with by the oystermen, yet it is 
of the greatest importance that they should realize that this law should 
be strictly obeyed if they wish to maintain the productiveness of the 
beds and thus insure themselves a livelihood in the future. 

In spite of the fact that the demand appears too great for the supply, 
it seems probable that the beds will at least not deteriorate if the laws 
be enforced regarding the restriction of tonging during the spawning 
season, culling at places of tonging and throwing back undersized 
oysters, and allowing no dredging. 

An improvement of the beds would be made by breaking up the 
clusters of oysters where feasible. 

OYSTER BUSINESS OF APALACHICOLA. 

During the period from 1836 to 1861 a few thousand barrels of oys- 
ters in the shell were shipped each season to Georgia and Alabama. 
During the war no business whatever was done, but at its close the 
shipments were resumed and continued to the present time, business 
having increased in later years. 

Before the beds in Apalachicola Bay and St. Vincent Sound were prac- 
tically destroyed, and at the time the oyster business was at its height, 
120 to 150 vessels were employed each season in taking oysters. At 
present there is a fleet of 12 vessels obtaining oysters for canning pur- 
poses, and 20 for raw and shell shipment. There are usually three men, 
or two men and a boy, in each vessel, although there are some few boats 
with only one or two men. A profitable day's work in favorable weather, 
for two men in a boat, working — as is usually done — day and night 
throughout the twenty-four hours, is 20 barrels. 



OYSTER REGIONS OF APALACHICOLA BAY, ETC. 215 

An idea of the comparative productiveness of the beds at present 
and formerly is obtained from the fact that under ordinary circum- 
stances three men can now take 100 bushels of oysters in two days 
and two nights, and formerly the same men could take 100 bushels in 
twelve hours daylight. At present $1 to $1.25 is paid for a barrel of 
oysters, including the barrel. Oysters brought to market and not used 
for canning are shipped in shell to Columbus, Ga., Jacksonville, Fla., 
Atlanta and Macon, Gra., and are in the raw-shucked state sliipped to 
Chicago and Louisville. Canned oysters are shipped to the Western 
States mostly. The proportion of the whole catch to that part con- 
sumed in Apalachicola is very small. 

The canning of oysters was first tried in Apalachicola in 1860, but 
the experiment was a failure, owing to the lack of knowledge of the 
degree of heat necessary to preserve the oyster. Canning was taken 
up again in the fall of 1883 and carried on until 1885, with indifferent 
success, but in the first year mentioned sufficient experience had been 
gained to demonstrate the fact that a different number of units of heat 
were necessary to preserve the oysters than had been used for the 
Chesapeake oysters. In 1886 the canning plant fell into the hands of 
the present operators, Euge Brothers, and was carried on with varying 
success 5 in 1887 a second plant was started by the same firm. Mr. 
T. W. Bamberger, in 1889, started a small plant, which was operated 
several seasons. In 1891 the Green Point Canning Company built a 
large plant, and o]3erated one year at a loss. This plant was bought 
by Euge Brothers, and merged into their first company. It was run 
by them one season and has since been idle. The fact that the canning 
business can not be carried on to any extent for any length of time is 
due to the fact that the supply of oysters is insufficient to satisfy the 
demand, notwithstanding the fact that the packers have used every 
means they could to preserve the oyster beds by refusing to take oysters 
under proper size, or out of season, or not jjroperly culled, as well as in 
alternating the use of different beds each season. The oysters and spat 
have been seriously affected by gales, freezes, and freshets. 

The canning business in Ax)alachicola has been injured during the 
last four years by the fact that the packing of oysters at Fernandina, 
Brunswick, Savannah, and Biloxi, has been done at less cost and with 
lower freight rates than at Ai3alachicola. 

The output of the canning factories of Ai^alachicola has been as fol- 
lows : In 1893-94 the Euge Brothers Canning Company, 63,000 bushels 
or 400,000 one-pound cans. In the same season T. W. Bamberger & 
Company's factory's output was 13,000 bushels or 100,000 one-pound 
cans. In 1895 one plant only was running, and in 4^ months canned 
13,000 bushels, or 100,000 cans. Owing to the scarcity of oysters, the 
Euge Brothers' plant will not at i3resent operate, as it will take from 
three to four years for the oyster beds to recuperate sufficiently to supply 
enough oysters to run the canning factories to full capacity. 



216 KEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 
THE CULTIVATION OF OYSTERS. 

As before stated, planting was tried experimentally on tlie north side 
of St. Vincent Sound, and enough was done at the time to show that 
it could be made a decided success, if the laws of the State regarding 
planting could be enforced. As it was, no protection whatever was 
given, and the experiment proved unsuccessful for that reason. The 
State laws protect the planters, but there appears to be no attempt to 
enforce the laws, and the moral sentiment among the oystermen is not 
in favor of such protection. This is due to a misunderstanding of the 
subject by the oystermen 5 the law makes a distinction between the 
cultivated beds and natural beds, and relates wholly to the cultivated 
beds, but the oystermen have the idea that any protection given the 
planters is of the nature of a monopoly, and is an encroachment on 
their rights. Of course such is not the case, as the laws protecting 
planters do not in any way interfere with oystering as now carried on 
on the natural beds. All the oyster cultivation would be carried on 
entirely away from the natural beds, and in some cases in localities 
quite remote from them. The chart shows exactly where oysters may 
be cultivated, and any intelligent person by using a compass may locate 
himself with sufficient accuracy to find the limits of the planting ground; 
in this connection a sounding pole will be of great assistance, as by it 
he can judge of the character of the bottom as well as the depth of 
water. By closely studying the limits of the planting area a person 
can select certain natural ranges which will helj) him locate himself. 

The whole question of oyster cultivation is of the greatest importance 
to the people of Apalachicola and vicinity, as undoubtedly, if the law is 
enforced and tbe planters protected, it may be made a great industry, 
and it is only necessary to cite as an example the great success met 
with by the oyster cultivators of Long Island Sound in order to show 
what a great business may be developed. But lirst the oystermen must 
be brought to a realization of the fact that the protection of oyster cul- 
tivation does not in any way infringe ui^on their rights, and that on the 
contrary it is directly for their best interests. All have equal rights, 
and any man having sufficient thrift and energy may, without much 
doubt, better his condition by undertaking the cultivation of oysters 
and uniting with others to respect the laws. 

The cultivation of oysters would be more easy on account of the num- 
ber of oyster shells brought into Apalachicola. By simiily spreading 
these shells over the areas of planting ground, the spat would attach 
itself to the cultch, and only a little care in cleaning and spreading 
would be required to form, in time, a productive bed. It should always 
be borne in mind, as has already been mentioned, that oysters grow and 
thrive much better in a current than in still water, as they have a better 
food supply. In transplanting the clusters should be broken up and 
each oyster should be thoroughly cleaned of barnacles and mussels. 



OYSTER REGIONS OF APALACHICOLA BAY, ETC. 217 



It is almost certain that if tlie question of oyster cultivation were 
taken up in the proper way by the people of Apalachicola and vicinity, 
excellent results would be obtained. Ko better flavored or condi- 
tioned oysters can be found anywhere than those at Oat Point Bar and 
at Silva's Bar, and by using the seed from these bars it can be safely 
prophesied that oysters of the cultivated bed will excel those of the 
natural beds. There is little doubt that if the oysters on East Hole 
Bar, where the vegetable growth renders them unfit for canning pur- 
poses, were transplanted to other localities, they would lose the peculiar 
characteristics so injurious to them, and become, like the Cat Point 
oysters, excellent in quality. 

SPAWNING SEASON AND SPAWNING HABITS. 

The spawning season, as near as may be ascertained, extends from 
April 15 to July 15, but these limits of time vary with the temperature 
to a considerable degree. However, it is probable that in these waters 
the oysters spawn, to a greater or less degree, all the year around. This 
is borne out by the fact that during the season of the survey spat was 
noticed from the beginning of the work in November to the end of 
March, and oysters in all stages of growth were observed. It is con- 
sidered that the oysters reach a spawning age at the end of three or 
four years, according to the temperature. Depth of water of course 
affects the temperature, and the current the food supply of the mother 
oyster. If freshets occur during the spawning season the mud or silt 
kills the spat. 

VALUE OF THE SURVEY HYDROGRAPHICALLY. 

As was pointed out in the beginning of the report, the chart may be 
used with confidence, as the configuration of the bottom is shown with 
as much accuracy as in the Coast Survey charts. The curves of dif- 
ferent depths are all delineated, and the characteristic soundings shown 
with sufficient frequency. No hydrographic survey of this locality had 
been made for a number of years, and a good many changes in the bot- 
tom had occurred, especially about the mouth of Apalachicola Kiver. 
Since the time of the original survey two new channels had been dredged, 
which are shown on the chart, and it was important hydrographically 
that these channels should be located and their depth of water shown. 

The most important development is the discovery of a new channel 
in the thoroughfare between Ai)alachicola and Oarrabelle. The chan- 
nel gives more water than the one formerly used, and should be buoyed. 
This subject has already been alluded to. The chart shows an increased 
depth and a decided hydrographic change at Indian Pass, and it seems 
likely that this pass will become of importance when the increased 
depth is generally known. At present a vessel of the Fish Raiv¥s 
draft, 8 feet, can enter the pass. 

Indian Lagoon, although of not much importance, was surveyed for 
the first time. 



218 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



REPORT UPON SPECIMENS COLLECTED FROM THE OYSTER 
BEDS OF ST. VINCENT SOUND, APALACHICOLA BAY, AND ST. 
GEORGE SOUND, FLORIDA, DURING THE WINTER OF 1895-96. 

By H. F. MOORE^ Assistant, U. S. Fish Commission. 



With very few exceptions, the specimens of oysters submitted for 
examination are thick- shelled, in crowded clusters, and covered with 
barnacles and mussels. In some instances the growth of foreign organ- 
isms has been so vigorous and rapid as to seriously hamper the devel- 
opment of the oysters, and it was manifest that death had sometimes 
resulted, or was about to follow, from this cause, as well as from the 
mutual crowding of the oysters themselves. If the specimens received 
are fair samples of the character of life upon the beds, there must be 
considerable mortality from this cause alone. Were the clusters broken 
up the oysters would be more abundant and better in shape and quality. 

Mussels and barnacles grow with great rapidity and wedge them- 
selves between the shells of the clusters in such a manner as to effec- 
tually prevent the oi^ening of the valves, and the oyster's death from 
starvation and suffocation soon follows. The oyster will live, however, 
if it be permitted to open its shell ever so slightly, but the difficulties 
of its existence are reflected in its poor and ^^ watery" appearance, a 
condition which is difficult to recognize in alcoholic specimens. 

It is not possible to say much concerning the fleshy portions of the 
specimens, as not only are the animal parts more or less shrunken by 
the action of the alcohol, but it is rarely possible to open the oyster 
without mutilation. In a number of cases the shells are rather deep 
and capacious, indicating that in their fresh condition the '^meats'' 
were plump and fleshy. 

A few calcareous worm tubes and several small tufts of hydroids are 
attached to some of the clusters, but in general the collection is char- 
acterized by an absence of such organisms, which, when abundant, 
sometimes cause harm by collecting sand and debris which smothers 
the oysters. 

The old shells, both living and dead, are usually more or less corroded 
and partially disintegrated by the attack of a species of boring lamelli- 
branch, not yet identified, but apparently related to, if not identical 
with, Martesia smithii Tryon. This species can not be regarded as par- 
asitic in the sense of feeding upon the oyster, but it causes harm by 
weakening the shell and harassing the tenant in a manner not unlike 
that of the boring sponge. This boring clam begins to burrow when it 



OYSTER REGIONS OF APALACHICOLA BAY, ETC. 219 

is still quite small, and it makes a depression of corresponding size. 
Throngli the external opening food and oxygen are taken, and as the 
animal grows the size of its domicile is enlarged nntil there is formed 
an egg-shaped chamber communicating with the exterior by a short 
canal of much smaller diameter, the organism thus becoming impris- 
oned in a cell of its own making. 

In the process of excavation the shell of the oyster is often i^ene- 
trated, but the mantle is thus stimulated to lay down a layer of shelly 
matter over the inner opening and the leak is promptly repaired. 
Where there are many such burrows, the drain upon the oyster in 
making repairs may cause a deterioration in the quality of its flesh, 
as has been observed where the boring sponge is troublesome. 

Another cause tending to produce irregularities is the inclusion of 
mud and sand between the shell and the mantle. The layer of shell 
deposited over the foreign material produces blister-like excrescences, 
which when broken open were found to contain offensive-smelling mud. 

The collection contained no organisms which are known to feed upon 
the oyster. 

The specimens from all stations showed evidence that good conditions 
for spatting must have prevailed during the preceding spawning season. 
In nearly every lot there were a number of young oysters, varying from 
f inch to 2^ inches in length. In most cases they were so closely 
crowded that many of them would have failed to reach maturity and 
the survivors would surely have been unshapely. In one case the 
interior of one old shell, the valves of which still held together, con- 
tained about 15 oysters ranging in size from IJ to If inches, and in 
several instances the strong growth of the young had killed the old 
oyster to which they were attached. 

A careful examination was made of the specimens from East Hole. 
The oysters of this bed are covered by a vegetable growth when taken, 
and are said to be permeated by hair-like substances when prepared for 
canning. Neither in the flesh nor in the intestines of these specimens 
was there any filamentous matter, though the alimentary canal contained 
considerable sand and gritty material which might be noticed when the 
oysters were eaten. 

So far as could be judged from the alcoholic specimens, the oysters 
from this bed were '^poorer" than those from other x>laces, and in con- 
sequence the radial muscles of the mantle stood out in relief. It seems 
hardly possible that the oystermen could mistake these muscle fibers 
for filaments of a parasitic organism, but I am assured that the so-called 
hairs can not be connected with the alga which is found attached to 
the shells. This plant is not at all parasitic and makes use of the oyster 
shell merely as a solid place of attachment, as the young spat utilizes 
the old shell for the same purpose. The filaments of this seaweed may 
be sometimes carried into the shell by accident, but even then they 
would not become imbedded in tlie flesh. 

The mantles of these oysters were somewhat darker than those from 



220 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 

other beds, but the difference was not very marked and the color does 
not appear to be developed to an objectionable degree. This dark color 
is due to causes perfectly natural and harmless, and is not in any measure 
the result of disease or parasitism. A dark i^igment is produced in such 
parts of the body as are exposed to the light, but is usually confined to 
the edges of the mantle, the other portions being shaded by the shell. 



EXTRACTS FROM THE FLORIDA STATE LAW IN REGARD TO 
OYSTERS AND THE OYSTER FISHERY. 

Appointment of commissioners. — The governor, with the consent of the senate, is 
hereby authorized to appoint three competent persons, to he known as the commis- 
sioners of fisheries, who shall continue in office for the term of two years, and until 
their successors are appointed. 

Supervision of fish and oysters, and laws for their protection. — The commissioners of 
fisheries shall have general supervision of the fish and oyster interests of this State, 
and are hereby authorized and instructed to make annual investigation of the oyster 
waters and oyster beds, both natural and cultivated, of this State, and by conferring 
with the commissioners of oysters in other States, and personal inspection in this 
State, make such report to the governor, with recommendations of the best course 
to pursue to increase the yield and give a revenue to the State. They are also 
authorized to enforce the existing laws made for the protection of fish and oysters 
in the coast and inland waters of this State, and to prosecute all violators of such 
law when coming under their cognizance. And for the better performance of this 
duty they may appoint fish wardens residing at convenient localities, whose duty it 
shall be to inform them of such violations. 

Commissioners to report to the governor. — The commissioners shall make an annual 
report to the governor of the work accomplished by them, with such suggestions as 
to the propagation and protection of fish and oysters as they may deem proper, which 
report shall be transmitted by the governor to the legislature. 

Exclusive right to plant oysters. — Any person desiring to plant oysters in the public 
waters of this State shall apply to the county commissioners of the county in which 
the water is situated, setting forth his determination to plant oysters in a certain 
locality, describing the same as near as possible, and the said commissioners may 
grant exclusive rights to such person for such locality or any portion thereof, with 
such boundaries as they may deem proper. 

Forfeiture. — Any person obtaining from the county commissioners such grant or 
exclusive right and failing to utilize the same by planting oysters therein within one 
year thereafter shall forfeit such grant. 

Marks of boundaries. — It shall be the duty of all persons planting oysters as provided 
above in this chapter, to mark the boundaries and limits of the beds of oysters so 
planted by them, by stakes or buoys, as may be prescribed by the county commis- 
sioners, at intervals of not more than fifty yards apart, clearly defining the limits of 
their claim, said stakes or buoys not to obstruct or interfere with the navigation of 
any of the navigable waters of this State, and to keep such stakes or buoys standing 
and in good order and repair, otherwise no penalty shall be incurred or right pro- 
tected under the provision of this chapter. 

Riparian rights. Transfer of oyster beds. — The provisions of this act shall give no 
exclusive right or privilege to any persons to plant oysters upon the submerged 
lands of another without the consent of the owner thereof; but all persons shall 



OYSTER REGIONS OF APALACHICOLA BAY, ETC. 221 

have the right to plant oysters in the bays and harbors of this State, but the 
riparian owner shall not be disturbed thereby in the use of the land a reasonable 
distance out from medium tide for the purpose of erecting* wharves, warehouses, or 
other permanent improvements thereon; and any owner or lessee of any artificial 
oyster bed shall have the right to sell, lease, dispose of, or transfer his or her inter- 
ests therein, Avhich sale, lease, or transfer may be recorded in the same manner as 
any other transfer or conveyance of property, and all rights and interests therein 
shall descend according to the rules of descent as prescribed by law„ 

Limit ofbed in front of puhlic lands. — No oyster bed so located in accordance with 
the provision of this chapter shall extend more than one-eighth of a mile along the 
bank or shore of any waters, bayous, rivers, or sounds in front of the public or 
unoccupied lands of this State. 

Not to include natural oyster heds. — ^AU the existing natural or maternal oyster beds 
in the waters of this State are exempt from the provision of this act, and they remain 
for the free use of the citizens of this State. 

Carrying atvay planted oysters. — Whoever unlawfully, without permission of the 
owner, takes up and carries away by any means, or in any manner catches, interferes 
with, or disturbs the oysters of another^ lawfully planted upon the beds of the bay- 
ous, rivers, bays, sounds, or other waters Avithin the jurisdiction of this State, shall 
be deemed guilty of larceny, grand or petit as the case may be, and shall be punished 
accordingly. 

Using dredge, etc., for oysters. — Whoever uses a dredge or drag net for the purpose 
of gathering or catching oysters from any of the natural oyster bars in any of the 
waters within the jurisdiction of the State shall be punished by imprisonment not 
exceeding sixty days, or by fine not exceeding one hundred dollars. 



Section 1. That from and after the approval of this act, it shall be unlawful for 
any person or persons to take oysters for any purpose from any beds or reefs in this 
State except for home consumption from May 1 to October 1 in any year. 

Section 2. That during the time that it is lawful to take oysters, to wit, from 
September the first to May the first of the following year, the oysters that are taken 
from the beds or reefs shall be culled at the places from which they are taken, and 
the culls and oysters less than two and a half inches in length shall be returned to 
the beds from which they are taken. 

That whoever violates the provisions of sections 1 and 2 of this act shall be pun- 
ished by fine not exceeding fifty dollars for each ofi!"ense, or by imprisonment in the 
county jail not exceeding thirty days, or both such fine and imprisonment, in the 
discretion of the court. 

Approved May 30, 1893. 



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